Flexible optical fiber connectors and assemblies

ABSTRACT

A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/897,587 filed Jun. 10, 2020 whichclaims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to the filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/859,828, filed on Jun. 11, 2019,entitled, “Flexible Optical Fiber Connectors and Assemblies,” thecontents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fibercommunications, and more specifically to optical fiber connectors andassemblies.

BACKGROUND

Data, voice, and other communication networks are increasingly usingfiber optics to carry information. In a fiber optic network, eachindividual fiber is generally connected to both a source and adestination device. Additionally, along the fiber optic run between thesource and the destination, various connections or couplings may be madeon the optical fiber to adjust the length of the fiber or to providetermination connection ports for end users at which one or more fibersmay be branched from a feed cable. In instances when the connection maybe exposed to weather conditions, an essentially waterproofconfiguration of components is needed.

To interconnect the cables, various cable connector designs provide forlow insertion loss and stability. Some example connectors may include,but are not limited to, SC, Dual LC, LC, ST and MPO connectors. In mostof these designs, ferrules (one in each connector, or one in theconnector and one in the apparatus or device), each containing anoptical fiber end, are butted together end to end and light travelsacross the junction.

With the increasing desire for completely optical networks, “fiber tothe premises” (FTTP) or “fiber to the home” (FTTH) systems are beingdeveloped to provide optical fibers that extend from the source to thesite of the end-user. There is a need for flexible, customizable fiberdistribution systems that may be easily expanded or reconfigured.Further, there is a need for flexible optical fiber connectors andassemblies that allow easy configuration of optical fiber networks.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided aflexible optical fiber connector comprising a first housing componentconfigured to couple to a terminating connector, a second housingcomponent configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in theterminating connector. The first housing component and the secondhousing component are further configured to receive a pushable connectortherethrough.

The terminating connector may comprise a back post. The back post may beconfigured to receive a spring and a ferrule. In some embodiments, theterminating connector may be an SC connector.

In some embodiments, the first housing component may comprise a firstprong and a second prong separated by a slit, each of the first prongand the second prong having a double-D hole and a flat configured toaccommodate coupling the first housing component to the terminatingconnector. In some embodiments, the flexible optical fiber connector mayfurther comprise a key configured to prevent rotation of the flexibleoptical fiber connector within a port.

According to another aspect, there is provided a flexible optical fiberconnector assembly comprising a flexible connector having a housingconfigured to receive an optical fiber, and a terminating connectorcomprising a back post and a ferrule configured to receive the opticalfiber. The flexible connector may be configured to couple to theterminating connector.

In some embodiments, the terminating connector may further comprise anouter housing. In some embodiments, the flexible optical fiber connectorassembly may further comprise a crimp ring disposed between the flexibleconnector and the outer housing to prevent rotation of the terminatingconnector relative to the flexible connector. The outer housing maycomprise a key configured to prevent rotation of the optical fiberconnector assembly. In some embodiments, the terminating connector maybe configured to decouple from the flexible connector to allow theflexible connector to receive a pushable connector therethrough in lieuof the terminating connector.

According to another aspect, there is provided a terminal comprising aport base comprising a plurality of ports. At least one port of theplurality of ports may be configured to receive a flexible connector.The flexible connector may be configured to receive a pushableconnector. The flexible connector may also be configured to couple to aterminating connector. The at least one port may be further configuredto receive a holder for holding an adapter configured to receive theterminating connector. In some embodiments, the port base may be furtherconfigured to receive a plate configured to couple to the port base tosecure the holder for holding the adapter to the at least one port.

In various embodiments of the terminal, the flexible connector maycomprise a first housing component configured to couple to theterminating connector, and a second housing component configured toreceive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector.In some embodiments, the first housing component may comprise a firstprong and a second prong separated by a slit, each of the first prongand the second prong having a double-D hole and a flat configured toaccommodate coupling the first housing component to the terminatingconnector. In various embodiments, the terminating connector maycomprise a back post configured to couple to the first housingcomponent, a spring, and a ferrule for terminating the optical fiber.The back post may be further configured to receive the spring and theferrule. In some embodiments, the terminating connector may furthercomprise an internal housing for housing the ferrule and an outerhousing.

In various embodiments, the holder may comprise a base portionconfigured to couple to the at least one port, and an adapter holdingportion configured to hold the adapter. In some embodiments, the holdermay be a single integral piece. In some embodiments, the at least oneport may be configured to receive a plurality of different holders, eachholder of the plurality of different holders being configured to hold adifferent adapter for coupling to a different terminating connector. Invarious embodiments, the at least one port may be a flexible portcomprising a seal, a press-in element, and a clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a terminal;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 1A, furthershowing incoming cables and connectors;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible port(FlexPort) configured to receive embodiments of connectors according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible connector(FlexConnector) for receiving a pushable connector;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible connector of FIG. 3 with apushable connector therethrough;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible connectorconfigured according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a flexible connector assembly configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an SC back postconfigured according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an assembled perspective view of the flexible connectorassembly of FIG. 6 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.8 further comprising a housing according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.9 further comprising an outer housing according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.10 , further illustrating the outer housing according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexibleconnector having a protrusion configured to receive a crimp ringaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible connector assemblyhaving a crimp ring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective view of the flexible connectorassembly of FIG. 13 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a partially disassembled perspective view of a flexibleconnector and adapter system being coupled through one embodiment of aport base and holder configured according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled flexible connector andadapter system of FIG. 15 according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of another embodiment of aflexible connector assembly having a key according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an interior view of a port showing a protrusion according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 19A to 19C are various views of one embodiment of a holderconfigured according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are perspective views of another embodiment of aholder configured according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a disassembled perspective view of another embodiment of aflexible connector and adapter system including a flexible portaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a flexible connector and adapter systemcoupled through another embodiment of a port base configured accordingto aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 23A and 24B are perspective and cross-sectional views of the portbase of FIG. 22 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide flexible optical fiberconnectors and connector assemblies that allow easy configuration andreconfiguration of optical fiber networks. For example, embodimentsallow for making external connections to an optical fiber terminal orenclosure without opening the terminal or enclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a terminal 100. Theterminal 100 is an aerial terminal. However, embodiments of connectorsdisclosed herein are not limited for use with aerial terminals. Forexample, embodiments may be used with other types of terminals andenclosures. The terminal 100 includes a housing 102 and two covers 104on either side of the terminal. The housing 102 of the aerial terminal100 includes side panels 108 on opposite sides of the housing. Each sidepanel 108 may include a plurality of ports, including feeder ports 110and distribution ports 112. The two feeder ports 110 are shown to belarger than the distribution ports 112. In one example, each feeder port110 may be about 14 mm sealed duct port. Each feeder port 110 may have abreakoff cap. In some embodiments, feeder ports 110 may haveanti-rotation locking features. The 12 smaller ports are distributionports 112. Each distribution port 112 may be about 10 mm sealed ductport. Each distribution port 112 may have a breakoff cap. In someembodiments, the distribution ports 112 may have anti-rotation lockingfeatures. The distribution ports 112 may be Clearfield FlexPorts.Although this embodiment shows two feeder ports 110 and 12 distributionports 112, other embodiments may include a different number of each typeof port. The ports 110 and the ports 112 may be sealed. The ports 110and 112 may include knock-out covers that can be removed once a port 110and 112 is used. The ports may also be arranged in a differentconfiguration than the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1A shows one of the covers 104 of the terminal 100 being open,revealing a compartment 118 positioned on one side of the terminal. Asshown in FIG. 1A, each distribution port 112 has a respective entrancetab 120 inside the compartment 118. The entrance tabs 120 must be brokenoff to use the respective ports 112. The compartment 118 furtherincludes at least one adapter plate 122. The adapter plate 122 includesa plurality of adapters 124. The adapters 124 may correspond to thedistribution ports 112. The adapter plates 122 may be arranged in aplurality of rows. In one embodiment, a first row comprising a firstadapter plate may correspond to the distribution ports on a first sidepanel of the terminal, and a second row comprising a second adapterplate may correspond to distribution ports on a second side panel of theterminal.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the aerial terminal 100, furthershowing incoming cables and connectors. For example, a cable 126 iscoupled to a pushable connector 128 that is configured to couple to anadapter 124. A flexible connector 130 (e.g. a Clearfield Flex Connector)coupled to a port 112 (e.g. a Clearfield FlexPort) is configured toreceive the pushable connector 128.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible port(FlexPort) 132 configured to receive embodiments of connectors disclosedherein. The flexible port 132 comprises a seal, such as an O-Ring 134, apress-in element 136 and a clip 138. In some embodiments, a flexibleport 132 may be pre-installed within the distribution ports of aterminal, such as distribution ports 112 of terminal 100. In otherembodiments, a flexible port 132 may be installed in the field. Aflexible port 132 may be installed by placing the seal or O-ring 134into the desired port hole, placing the press-in element 136 into thehole, and installing the clip 138 into the press-in element. Theflexible ports 132 may further comprise entrance tabs that must bebroken off prior to usage of the flexible ports.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible connector130 for receiving a pushable connector 128. The flexible connector 130has a clip groove 139. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexibleconnector 130 with the pushable connector 128 inserted therethrough.

Referring back to FIG. 1B, a connection from the flexible connector 130to the adapter 124 requires a pushable connector 128 and also requiresthat the terminal 100 be opened to make the connection. Accordingly,there is a need for flexible “plug and play” connectors that allowmaking external connections to an optical fiber terminal or enclosurethat has flexible ports (FlexPorts) without opening the terminal orenclosure.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible port 132, asillustrated for example in FIG. 2 , may further be configured to receivean adapter therein. The adapter within the flexible port may be coupledto various embodiments of connectors disclosed herein, thereby avoidingthe need to open a terminal, box, or any other enclosure on which theflexible port is located.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible connectorconfigured according to aspects of the present disclosure. The connector140 includes a housing 142 configured to couple to a flexible port, suchas port 132 shown in FIG. 2 . The connector 140 may be a 10 mm flexconnector configured to couple to a 10 mm flex port. The connector 140may include a first housing portion 144 and a second housing portion146. The first housing portion 144 and the second housing portion 146may have different diameters. For example, the first housing portion 144may have a smaller diameter than the second housing portion 146. Thefirst housing portion 144 may be configured to couple to a ferruleconnector assembly, for example as shown and further discussed belowwith reference to FIGS. 6 to 14 . The flexible connector 140 may have afirst prong 148 and a second prong 150, separated by a slit 151. Theprongs may have a double-D hole 152 formed between them. Each of theprongs 148 and 150 may have a respective flat 154. The flats 154 may berelatively long, for example, to accommodate coupling to the ferruleconnector assembly. The flexible connector 140 may thus be coupled to aterminating connector housing a ferrule. The housing 142 of the flexibleconnector 140 may not have a clip groove, such as clip groove 139 shownin FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a flexible connector assembly configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure. The flexible connectorassembly includes the flexible connector 140, a back post 156, a spring158, and a ferrule 160. The double-D hole 152 of the flexible connector140 is configured to hold at least a portion of the back post 156. Theback post 156 is further configured to receive the spring 158 and theferrule 160. In this embodiment, the back post is an SC back post. Inother embodiments, different types of back posts may be used. An opticalfiber cable 162 comprising a plurality of optical fibers 164 may bereceived by the second housing portion 146 of the flexible connector140, and the optical fiber 164 may be extended to the ferrule 160 andbonded to the ferrule.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the SC back post 156. The SC back post156 is longer than a traditional SC back post. The back post 156 furthercomprises flats 166 configured to be held by the double-D hole 152 ofthe flexible connector 140.

FIG. 8 shows an assembled perspective view of the flexible connectorassembly of FIG. 6 . As shown, the snap-in back post 156 is snapped intothe double-D hole 152 and coupled to the first housing portion 144 ofthe flexible connector 140. The optical fiber 164 is received throughthe ferrule 160, epoxied and cured.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.8 further comprising a housing 170. The housing 170 may be an SC whitehousing. The housing 170 may be configured to house the ferrule 160 andto couple to the back post 156. The housing 170 may have keys 172 thatare keyed to the flexible connector flats 154 by the back post 156inside the double-D shaped hole 152.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.9 , further comprising an outer housing 174. The outer housing 174 maybe configured to house the inner housing 170 and at least a portion ofthe back post 156. In some embodiments, the outer housing 170 may be atemporary SC outer housing for production polishing. The temporary SCouter housing may be replaced with a final housing after opticalinspection.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flexible connector assembly of FIG.10 , further illustrating the outer housing 174. The outer housing 174may be configured to fit through a 10 mm port opening, such as that ofthe flexible port 132 shown in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the outerhousing 174 may be modified to prevent adapter latching. The flexibleconnector assembly of FIG. 11 comprises the flexible connector 140 and aterminating connector. In this embodiment, the terminating connector isan SC connector 175. The SC connector 175 comprises an outer housing174, inner housing 170, spring 158, ferrule 160, and back post 156. Invarious embodiments, the flexible connector 140 may be configured toprevent the attached terminating connector from rotating and/or beingpulled out from the tip of the flexible connector.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexibleconnector 180. The flexible connector 180 is configured similarly to theconnector 140 described above. Further, the flexible connector 180 has aprotrusion 182 configured to receive a crimp ring to prevent rotation ofthe connector attached to the flexible connector. The protrusion 182 maybe a cylindrical section emanating from within the two prongs 184 and186 of the flexible connector 180. The cylindrical protrusion 182 mayalso include a plurality of prongs, such as a first prong 188 and asecond prong 190, separated by a slit 192, and with a double-D hole 194located between them. The double-D hole 194 of the protrusion 182 isalso configured to receive at least a portion of the back post of theconnector coupled to the flexible connector.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible connector assemblyincluding the flexible connector 180 of FIG. 12 . The flexible connectorassembly has a crimp ring 196. The crimp ring 196 is sized to fit ontothe cylindrical protrusion 182. FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective viewof the flexible connector assembly of FIG. 13 , further showing thecrimp ring disposed on the cylindrical protrusion 182 between theflexible connector 180 and the outer housing 174 of the terminating SCconnector coupled to the flexible connector. In various embodiments, thecrimp ring may be used to prevent rotation of the terminating connectorrelative to the flexible connector.

Various embodiments provide flexible connectors that are truly “plug andplay” without entering the closure of terminals or closures, such asClearfield YourX terminal(s), FlexBox, YourX TAP, etc. Variousembodiments have a ferrule/connector assembly configured to snap firmlyinto the flexible connector body, as described above, and then bemateable to an adapter/connector on the other side of a flexible port(FlexPort) by inserting the flexible connector into the port andsnapping the ferrule/connector in place, for example as shown anddescribed further below in relation to FIGS. 15 to 23 .

In some embodiments, the pushable end may enter the flexible connectorthrough the back of connector, with the key and lock protruding farenough out of the flexible connector to allow room for “mating” insideadapter of the flexible port.

Various embodiments may use the flexible connectors disclosed herein inconjunction with various types of connectors, including but not limitedto SC, LC and MPO connectors.

Various embodiments of flexible connectors disclosed herein may beconfigured to accept both a pushable connector, for example as shown inFIG. 4 , as well as a snap-in connector, for example as shown in FIGS. 5to 14 .

Embodiments of connectors disclosed herein may be watertight andconfigured to prevent contamination. Embodiments exposed to elements maybe impervious to weather, ultraviolet radiation per UL “F-1” rating.

Various embodiments may be assembled by the user without tools. Assemblymay include inserting a connector into the flexible connector to form aflexible connector assembly. The flexible connector assembly may then beinserted into an adapter located inside a flexible port, for example asshown and described below in relation to FIGS. 15 to 23 . Embodiments ofthe connector may be keyed for proper alignment in adapter at mating. Invarious embodiments, the adapter within the flexible port may beconfigured to receive the ferrule of the flexible connector assembly atone end. The adapter within the port may also be configured to receive astandard connector such as a standard SC, LC or MPO connector at theother end of the adapter. One end of the adapter may be accessible fromoutside the terminal or enclosure on which the flexible port is located,whereas the other end of the adapter may be accessible from inside theterminal or enclosure. In some embodiments, the adapter plug or at leastone side of the adapter may be latchless to allow removal of theflexible connector assembly.

FIG. 15 shows a partially disassembled view of a flexible connector andadapter system 200. A flexible connector assembly 202 is configured tocouple to an adapter 204 through the opening of a port 208. In someembodiments, for example as described below in relation to FIG. 21 , theport 208 may comprise a flexible port 132 as described above in relationto FIG. 2 . A port base 206 comprises a plurality of ports 208 withopenings. The port base 206 may further comprise a plurality of ribs 209positioned around each of the ports 208. The port base 206 may bepositioned, for example, within a terminal such as that shown in FIG.1A. A holder 210 is configured for coupling to a port 208 at one end,and for receiving and holding the adapter 204 through the other end, asdescribed further below in relation to FIG. 19 .

FIG. 16 shows the assembled flexible connector and adapter system ofFIG. 15 . The flexible connector assembly 202 is mateable with theadapter 204 held by the holder 210 on the other side of the port base206 by inserting the terminating connector at the end of the flexibleconnector assembly into the port 208 and snapping the ferrule/connectorin place.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show the flexible connector assembly 202 including aflexible connector coupled to a terminating connector having an outerhousing 212. In this embodiment, the terminating connector is an SCconnector. The outer housing may be configured to prevent locking tabson the adapter from engaging. In this embodiment, the flexible connectorassembly 202 includes a key way 214 configured to prevent the flexibleconnector assembly from turning. For example, a protrusion 216 on aninterior surface 218 of the port 208 of the port base 206, shown in FIG.18 , fits within the key way 214 of the flexible connector assembly 202,thereby preventing the flexible connector from turning.

FIGS. 19A to 19C show one embodiment of a holder 210 configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure. The holder 210 is aspring holder comprising a base portion 220 at one end and an adapterholding portion 222 at the other end. The base portion 220 is configuredto couple to the port 208. In various embodiments, any couplingmechanism may be used for coupling the base portion 220 to the port 208.For example, the base portion 220 may be threaded onto the port 208, maybe snapped in or coupled by a latch.

The holders 210 may be removable from the ports 208. The ports 208 maybe configured to receive a plurality of different types of holders. Eachholder may be configured to hold a different type of adapter. Forexample, FIGS. 20A and 20B show another embodiment of a spring holder230 comprising a base portion 232 and an adapter holding portion 234,with a cutout 236 for receiving a connector. In other embodiments,holders may be formed integrally with the ports.

Referring again to FIGS. 19A to 19C, the holder 210 further comprises anadapter holding portion 222. The adapter holding portion 222 isconfigured to receive and retain an adapter 204, as shown for example inFIGS. 15 and 16 . In various embodiments, any mechanism may be used forretaining adapters within the adapter holding portion 222 of the holder210. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the adapter holderportion 222 is shaped and sized to receive an SC adapter. Otherembodiments of adapter holding portions may be shaped and sizeddifferently for other types of connectors.

The base portion 220 of the holder 210 is configured to allow for thebest alignment, orientation and positioning of the flexible connectorassembly 202 with the adapter 204. The holder 210 is self-centering, butconfigured to move in any direction as shown for example in FIG. 19B.The holder 210 is not influenced by the orientation of the terminal orenclosure, or gravity. The holder 210 is configured to provide force tomaintain connector mating. The base portion 220 of the holder 210includes a cutout 224 that matches the shape and size of the terminatingconnector to be received, thereby determining the orientation of theconnector. For example, FIG. 19C shows the cutout 224 corresponding toan SC terminating connector. Other embodiments of holders may havedifferent cutouts for different types of terminating connectors, such asan LC connector.

Various embodiments of holders may be formed integrally as a singlepiece. For example, the base portion 220 and the adapter holding portion222 may be molded or formed integrally with the spring holder. In otherembodiments, the holder may comprise multiple pieces.

Various embodiments of port bases and ports disclosed herein may beconfigured to receive both a flexible connector with a pushableconnector, as well as a flexible connector coupled to a terminatingconnector as disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the ports may beconfigured as flexible ports.

FIG. 21 shows a disassembled perspective view of another embodiment of aflexible connector and adapter system 240 using a flexible port 132 asdescribed in relation to FIG. 2 . A flexible connector assembly 242 isconfigured to couple to an adapter 244 through the opening of a port248. In this embodiment, the port 248 comprises a flexible port 132. Theflexible port 132 may be installed by placing the seal or O-ring 134into the opening of the port 248 located on the port base 246, placingthe press-in element 136 into the opening, and installing the clip 138into the press-in element. The other end of the port 248 is configuredto receive the holder 250. A holder 250 is configured for coupling to aport 248 at one end, and for receiving and holding the adapter 244through the other end. For example, the holder 250 may be snapped intothe port 248. The port base 246 comprises a plurality of ports 248 withopenings. The port base 246 may be positioned, for example, within aterminal such as that shown in FIG. 1A. The flexible connector assembly242 is mateable with the adapter 244 held by the holder 250 on the otherside of the port base 246 by inserting the terminating connector at theend of the flexible connector assembly into the flexible port 132 andsnapping the ferrule/connector in place.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a flexible connector and adapter system252 comprising flexible connectors 254 coupled to adapters 256. A portbase 258 comprises a plurality of ports 260 with openings. The port base258 may be positioned, for example, within a terminal such as that shownin FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the ports 260 may be flexible portsconfigured to receive flexible connectors coupled with pushableconnectors. The ports 260 may also be configured to receive flexibleconnector assemblies comprising a flexible connector coupled to aterminating connector as disclosed herein. A plate 262 has a pluralityof holes corresponding to the ports on the port base 258. The plate 262may be mounted to the port base 258 using screws and bosses and providesthe undercut for a plurality of spring holders 264 to be secured. Insome embodiments, the plate 262 may be molded with the port base 258.The ports 260 may protrude from the holes on the plate 262. The springholders 264 are configured to center on the flexible connector core, andmay be interchangeable. The spring holders 264 are configured to receiveand hold the adapters 256. The plate 262 may be mounted onto the portbase 258 so as to allow securing of the holders 264 for mounting theadapters 256 at the ports. Alternatively, plate 262 may be removed andadapters may be placed within the terminal as shown in FIG. 1A for usewith pushable connectors.

FIGS. 23A and 24B are perspective and cross-sectional views of the portbase 258 of FIG. 22 . The port base 258 comprises a plurality of ports260 and is configured to mount, for example, at a side of a terminal asshown in FIG. 1A. The ports 260 may be configured as flexible ports, andmay be configured to receive a flexible connector accommodating apushable connector therethrough, and also configured to receive theflexible connector coupled to a terminating connector as disclosed invarious embodiments herein.

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbolstypically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in termsof “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning“including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devicescan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsand steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as definingessentially closed-member groups.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

1. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprising: a flexibleconnector having a housing configured to receive an optical fiber; aterminating connector comprising a back post and a ferrule configured toreceive the optical fiber; wherein the flexible connector is configuredto couple to the terminating connector.
 2. The flexible optical fiberconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminating connector furthercomprises an outer housing.
 3. The flexible optical fiber connectorassembly of claim 2, further comprising a crimp ring disposed betweenthe flexible connector and the outer housing to prevent rotation of theterminating connector relative to the flexible connector.
 4. Theflexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the outerhousing comprises a key configured to prevent rotation of the flexibleoptical fiber connector assembly.
 5. The flexible optical fiberconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminating connector isconfigured to decouple from the flexible connector to allow the flexibleconnector to receive a pushable connector therethrough in lieu of theterminating connector.
 6. The flexible optical fiber connector assemblyof claim 1, wherein the flexible connector comprises a protrusionconfigured to receive a crimp ring to secure the back post of theterminating connector to the flexible connector housing.
 7. The flexibleoptical fiber connector assembly of claim 6, wherein the protrusion is acylindrical section emanating from prongs of the flexible connector. 8.The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 7, wherein theprongs are separated by a slit having a double-D hole therebetween,wherein the double-D hole is configured to receive at least a portion ofthe back post of the terminating connector.
 9. The flexible opticalfiber connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminating connectoris configured to couple with the flexible connector by snap-in or latchfeature.
 10. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the terminating connector comprises a SC connector, a LCconnector, or a MPO connector.
 11. A method of assembling a flexibleoptical fiber connector assembly, the method comprising: providing aflexible connector having a housing configured to receive an opticalfiber; providing a terminating connector comprising a back post and aferrule configured to receive the optical fiber; coupling theterminating connector to the optical fiber and the flexible connector toform a flexible connector assembly; and inserting the flexible connectorinto a first side of a flexible port.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising: inserting the optical fiber through the housing, theback post, and the ferrule; and bonding the optical fiber to theferrule.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising inserting theflexible connector into an adapter disposed at a second side of theflexible port.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising utilizingone or more key features in the housing to prevent rotation of theflexible optical fiber connector assembly.
 15. The method of claim 11,further comprising securing the back post of the terminating connectorto the flexible connector housing to prevent rotation of the terminatingconnector relative to the flexible connector.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein securing the back post of the housing to the terminatingconnector comprises crimping a crimp ring on a protrusion of theflexible connector.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprisingsecuring the back post of the terminating connector to the flexibleconnector housing to prevent rotation of the terminating connectorrelative to the flexible connector.
 18. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising decoupling the terminating connector from the flexibleconnector to allow the flexible connector to receive a pushableconnector therethrough in lieu of the terminating connector.
 19. Themethod of claim 11, wherein coupling the terminating connector to theflexible connector comprises snap connecting using a snap-in or latchfeature.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the terminating connectorcomprises a SC connector, a LC connector, or a MPO connector.